Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Can't Wait Wednesday!


Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I am combining CWW with Books From the Backlog hosted by Carole at Carole's Random Life in Books. This will allow me to feature some newly "rediscovered" books, which I plan on reading, alongside a new release.

This week I can't wait for:
Once Upon a Quinceañera

Monica Gomez-Hira
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: March 2nd 2021
Goodreads
Jenny Han meets "Jane the Virgin" in this flashy and fun Own Voices romcom from debut author Monica Gomez-Hira.

Carmen Aguilar just wants to make her happily ever after come true. Except apparently “happily ever after” for Carmen involves being stuck in an unpaid summer internship! All she has to do is perform! In a ball gown! During the summer. In Miami.

Fine. Except that Carmen’s company is hired for her spoiled cousin Ariana’s over the top quinceañera.

And of course, her new dance partner at work is none other than Mauro Reyes, Carmen’s most deeply regrettable ex.

If Carmen is going to move into the future she wants, she needs to leave the past behind. And if she can manage dancing in the blistering heat, fending off Mauro’s texts, and stopping Ariana from ruining her own quinceañera Carmen might just get that happily ever after after all.
Why I want to read this book

Though I don't necessarily believe all comps, I am very hopeful that it's accurate this time, because Jenny Han meets Jane the Virgin is quite a winning combination, if you ask me.  Poor Carmen sounds like she is in quite a sticky situation between her internship, cousin's party, and the ex. Sounds like the perfect setup for lots of fun, rom-com moments. 



Jersey Tomatoes are the Best

Maria Padian
Age/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Publisher: Knopf Books
Release Date: March 8th 2011
Goodreads
This is a hilarious and heartbreaking story of two teen girls and the summer when everything changes for them. Both Henry and Eva are New Jersey natives and excellent athletes: Henry's a master on the tennis court and Eva is a graceful ballerina. When opportunity knocks for both of them the summer before their junior year in high school they throw open the door: Henry sees freedom from her overbearing father and a chance to build her talents on the court. Eva sees the chance to be the best as well as even more pressure to be graceful, lighter, more perfect on the dancefloor.

Soon, Eva's obsession with physical perfection leads her down the path to anorexia, and her health issues overwhelm everything else. But through it all these two best friends know that Jersey Tomatoes are the Best, and nothing will come between them no matter the distance.
Why I want to read this book

Being as I live in Jersey, the title of book caught my eye. You all know I adore books with female athletes too. This time we have a dancer and a tennis player, who are both facing a summer of possibilities. Though the synopsis hints that the characters will deal with some tough issues, it is my understanding that their friendship is the heart of the story, and I love stories of friendship. I previously read, How to Build a Heart by Padian, and really enjoyed it. I anticipate this being filled with feels and friendship.  

What are you waiting on?
Any backlog books you want to read soon? 
Let us know in the comments!

26 comments:

  1. Jersey Tomatoes Are the Best- love that title! :)

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    1. A nod to my state's produce. What's not to love?

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  2. I have high hopes for these Jersey girls!

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    1. The reviews I have read rave about the tennis player.

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  3. lolol thank goodness for TTT and WFW or I'd never know what day it was! And... the book has nothing to do with tomatoes? That is disappointing. I hope they are in there somewhere.

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    1. Yes! The memes keep me on track. I think the tomatoes is just a nod to NJ, but it's a fun title.

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  4. Once Upon a Quinceañera generally sounds like a fun rom-com. I'd definitely would like to give it a chance!

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  5. Once Upon a Quinceañera sounds like it could be cute. Except for the spoiled cousin that is. I like the colorful cover, too. Hope both are hits for you!

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    1. But you can do some good comedy or life lesson with a spoiled character.

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  6. The first one is definitely on my TBR as well! I haven't heard of the second one before though. Sounds interesting!

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    1. That book has definitely been getting some pre-release buzz. The other one is like 10 years old, and the author isn't quite that huge, but I liked her last book.

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  7. Both of these sound really fun! I bet if you have ties to Jersey, the second will be so much fun for you!

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    1. I am starting it today, so we'll find out. I think they are Jersey girls, but the story takes place in FL, I believe.

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  8. Both of these sound so very good!! I already had my eye on the first one, but Jersey Tomatoes is really calling my name now.

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    1. I will be starting it after work, so you will know what I think by the weekend.

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    2. I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on it!

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    3. I finished Tomatoes last night. It was a really lovely story. Enjoyed it so much!

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  9. Well sam, Jane the Virgin was one of my daughter's favorite shows LOL

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  10. Cute picks! These are new to me ones. I hope you enjoy them both once you get to read them!


    Here's my WoW

    Have a GREAT day!

    Old Follower :)

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  11. I haven't seen either of these before. Jersey Tomatoes has a title that really grabs your attention. I do like the sound of both of these.

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    1. I actually finished Tomatoes last night, and it was really, really good. It was about friendship and family and having a healthy relationship with the things you are passionate about.

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  12. Once Upon a Quincenera sounds like so much fun.

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    1. Fingers crossed it lives up to its description. I feel good about it

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